Crossword Genius

Little American leaving animals standing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

small

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'little' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for small that I've seen before include "Diminutive" , "Petite" , "Unimportant; little" , "Itsy-bitsy" , "Not large" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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